/r/whichbike

Photograph via snooOG

Bicycles: Looking for advice on selecting one? Want to know if you are paying too much? Want to know how to choose one? Ask here!

Starting out, or branching out - overwhelmed by choice? Thinking about buying a new bike, but don't know where to start? Get answers specifically relating to getting the right bike for you, your riding conditions, and your budget.


Help us help you. Tell us as much as you can:

  • Your level of experience with cycling

  • What's your price range, and have you considered second hand?

  • What's your intention with the bike - commuting, fitness, touring, sport, etc?

  • How far will you be riding, and how often?

  • Riding conditions: roads, pavement, trails, single-track, off-road? Flat or hilly? Traffic and weather.

  • Your location (even approximate) can help other locals familiar with your conditions, too.

  • A bit about yourself: height, weight, and level of fitness can all help people understand your needs better.


Rules

Please keep it civil, respect people's choices, and try to help them regardless of personal biases. Full rules here (CLICK!)

/r/whichbike

61,364 Subscribers

1

New to cycling

So I want to buy a bike and my needs are mostly for fun and something I can ride in dirt paths. I also want it for commuting on a college campus. For now, I live in a small town with the back roads being my main riding. They’re a bit bumpy. I intend to ride it to go mountain riding too. So, I went in to a bike store looking for a sirrus 2.0. It’s on sale for 499+ tax. The associate suggested a specialized rockhopper sport for 700$ or a fuse for 1039$. Obviously I understand them wanting to sell me something more expensive. The rockhopper can be upgraded as I become more into the hobby. The fuse I wouldn’t need to upgrade and stuff. I’m just trying to see if these are good deals. I have the money but I’m trying to see if it they’re just taking advantage of the fact I don’t know anything about bikes.

1 Comment
2024/05/17
21:59 UTC

1

Bike Recommendations for College

I start college in the fall, and bikes are almost a necessity for the school I'm going to. From what I've heard, theft is semi-prevalent on campus, so I don't want to go all out in the event the bike is stolen. What are some good bikes (new or used) for $200-400?

0 Comments
2024/05/17
21:48 UTC

1

Help with first time electric bike

Hello everyone,

I’m looking to buy my first e-bike and could use some advice. My friend recommended the Trek District+ 1 Lowstep with a 400Wh battery as her selection, but there are a lot of options out there. I'll be sharing the bike with my girlfriend and it is mainly for city rides. I'm about 180cm tall, and she's about 168cm, so we're thinking a medium size should work for both of us.

We won't be using the bike for long distances (maximum 30-45 mins total per ride), so we don't need a huge battery. I also prefer the battery to be detachable since I don’t have an outdoor plug, but I can manage to get a cable out as well. Additionally, I've been convinced that mid-drive motors are a good choice.

Here are the options from the shop that I'm looking for. What would you suggest?:

  1. Trek District+ 4 Lowstep Electric Bike: €2400
  2. Trek District+ 1 Lowstep Gray Electric Bike with 400Wh: €2200
  3. Giant Entour E+ 1 LDS 400Wh: €2250
  4. Giant ENTOUR E+ 1 RT 400Wh : €2000
  5. Specialized Turbo Como SL 4.0 320Wh: €1600

Any advice or personal experiences with these models would be greatly appreciated! Feel free to come up with other suggestions as well. Thank you!

2 Comments
2024/05/17
20:45 UTC

4

What's a fair price?

Hey guys!

What would be a fair price for both sides on this canyon ultimate al? It has a complete 105 groupset and was only used indoors in winter.

3 Comments
2024/05/17
20:25 UTC

2

How much should I pay (kona operator 2019)

1 Comment
2024/05/17
17:16 UTC

1

Used 2020 Factor 02 - Good deal?

Wondering if this 2020 O2 Factor (not VAM) is a decent deal?

https://preview.redd.it/4o5687nin01d1.png?width=708&format=png&auto=webp&s=98c1f85b92ba3595ecca99dc15eb25594bb986d2

https://buycycle.com/en-us/bike/o2-vam-24612

Has SRAM red etap, powermeter, ENVE SES wheels, new cassette and chain.

I know the geometry works (maybe a shorter 100m stem needed). Looks like there's some wear on the drive-train and some sort of weird paint patch or irregularity on the bottom bracket that I would have to ask about. Owner hasn't left any description or close up photos of the frame.

Assuming the frame checks out what do people think about the price of $3640? Is that reasonable given the components? Anything else I should be thinking about here? My budget is in the $3500-$5k (stretch) range and I've prioritized thinking used but open to alternatives (have seen some OK deals for used Teammachines, some decent sales on Giant etc). I don't race but like to move fast so I don't feel like I need the absolute lightest frame or highest component set TBH, but would like wider clearance, disc brakes, and electronic shifting (since I am guilty of not doing enough maintenance on my bike)

For comparison there's a 2018 Factor VAM with durace Di2 with alloy wheels that the owner offered to sell for $2900 here but it's in a 56, which I could make work but isn't my default preferred size. https://www.ebay.com/itm/226001832932

Thanks for the input!

0 Comments
2024/05/17
16:53 UTC

1

Gravelbike advice? (1,95m tall, inseam 97cm)

Hello,

I am looking to buy my first Gravel or Trekking bike, leaning more towards the former (ideally below 1000€). I am 1,95m tall, inseam 97cm.

According to a measurement done at my local bike store I need a frame size of 64cm. The bikes I looked at online are nowhere near that size though, despite the dealers saying that they are suitable for riders up to 2m.

  • Triban GRVL 120 XL, frame size: 53cm

-Cube Nuroad XL, frame size: 58cm

Do you have any suggestions for a bike that could fit me?

0 Comments
2024/05/17
15:41 UTC

1

Upgrading from a 2003 Gary Fisher Marlin that I've used for 20 years

Morning!

Was hoping to get some help picking out a new bike. Currently using a 2003 Gary Fisher Marlin which I've used for the last twenty years. Unfortunately, I'm reaching the point with the bike where it may make financial sense to upgrade fully, rather than continue to upgrade the parts on the bike.

I typically use the bike around 3-5 times during the week on similar paths which include a well kept trail of packed in dirt and road. Generally, the ride is about 10 miles with a 800 foot incline, though I'm finding myself enrolling in more bike races lately which are 30+ miles. Basically, the bike is mostly used for exercise with some transportation around town.

I'm torn between the following (but open to other suggestions!):

https://www.poseidonbike.com/products/x-ambition-dropbar?variant=43918915109092 (Are the breaks really as bad as the reviews say on this?)

https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/active/fitness/quick-cx/quick-cx-3

https://www.canyon.com/en-us/hybrid-bikes/city-bikes/roadlite/roadlite-al-cf/roadlite-4/3276.html?dwvar_3276_pv_rahmenfarbe=BU&dwvar_3276_pv_rahmengroesse=S&srsltid=AfmBOoomZpHyydMvbyhXoRCiDZw-OX7txhAwH0EJG2cry4jDPoFkdyxhVt0

Thank you for your help, guys! :)

1 Comment
2024/05/17
13:06 UTC

1

Looking for a first road bike

I am looking to buy a road bike. I would be riding around Warsaw, Poland (flat roads), excluding commuting + some limited times per year in Swiss Alps. I would also most likely buy bike in Poland.

My budget is ~3000 EUR.

I am 176 cm high

My inseam is 78 cm

I do not have a lot of experience with Road Bikes, mostly with XC MTB at cheap or hybrid / finess bikes. And city bikes.

I looked at Canyon Endurance (Ultimate) CF - (SL) 7 with Shimano 105 12s and DT Swiss Performance LN wheels (and all cheaper variants), as that company and these bikes are recommended by my Manager and some coworkers, but they are sold out in my size (except for Ultimate CF SL 7 mentioned above).

What would you recommend to buy?

5 Comments
2024/05/17
12:47 UTC

3

Help buying first bike

Hello, I'm a 6'4" man trying to find a bike. I absolutely adore the ones that look like cruisers, but the area around me (North Atlanta) is super hilly and it needs gears.

I'd be using it to get around to both work and exercise, but my friend who was into biking a few years ago tells me a mountain bike is necessary for the large hills around here. I've been looking primarily at hybrids or geared cruisers, as I'm not interested in taking rough mountain bike trails.

I've found the Trek FX 1 and the Giant Escape 3 to be in my price range and seem to be pretty good, maybe going up one level to get disc brakes. There's also the Electra Townie and sixthreezero EVRYjourney. Which one of these would the best, or is there one in a similar price range that could be better?

Lastly, I've been looking around for used bikes and a lot of other brands, and they're generally recommended for 6'2" or 6'0" and under. Would it be too uncomfortable to ride it or would it be fine? The Townie itself is recommended for 6'3" and under.

6 Comments
2024/05/17
12:26 UTC

1

2014 Specialized Roubaix SL4, Shimano Sora, 750€, worth it or dated?

8 Comments
2024/05/17
08:01 UTC

3

Niner RLT 9 vs Marin Four Corners 2

Hello! I have come down to these two bikes and am wondering which is going to have a more comfortable geometry. 99spokes says the niner has very similar geometry to the Marin headlands 1, which also according to them is supposed to be more comfortable than the four corners. However just looking at the geometry I don’t understand why this would be. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

1 Comment
2024/05/17
07:00 UTC

1

Maybe my new bike?

Hey!

After 3 months of debating with myself about the budget, the bike and what I want, I ended up buying a used Giant tcr advanced pro 1 with custom parts. The bike should arrive in couple days and really excited to test it out. I got a two week return policy on the bike, so I got some time to test on it.
Cost me 2500e with the post and packaging, the bike itself was 2300.
I wanted to ask people more experienced than me on road bikes about the parts and will the bike be worth the amount it was sold. I'm not lying by saying that maybe I rushed with the buying part, but from all the gravels and road bikes I have tested so far I have liked Giant's frame and feel the most.

Profile said that it has brand new sram rival axs installed, looks like it too. Willier wheels, tried to google the set, but nothing came up. What rose some concern from my part was the chipped part on the rear(picture), does carbon look like that under the paint?

It should be 2022 version with newer installed parts.

https://preview.redd.it/4q7aqpa0lx0d1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9396949e762d4813df4cd45da698eddd78c5e47

https://preview.redd.it/0mmnrxx0lx0d1.jpg?width=770&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3168202e196c4160ef98aaee0f6618fd4423d510

https://preview.redd.it/4fni68h1lx0d1.jpg?width=770&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa45fd1824219e0f0260fce128a8b0aee5ab9ee2

https://preview.redd.it/eg4xyk62lx0d1.jpg?width=770&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c7e07efb5f5716dfb138f46ac1d1ea8afa4c61ec

5 Comments
2024/05/17
06:28 UTC

1

Looking for recommendations on commuter/road bike

I’m looking for recommendations on which bike I should buy to commute to work that can also be used as a recreational road bike. As such, i wanted the bike to have to mounting points for a rear rack.

Currently, I’m looking at the Priority Apollo Gravel bike, but I really liked the Canyon Endurace 7 as well. I noticed the Endurace doesn’t have rear mounting holes for racks though.

I’m also concerned with the repairability of the belt drive Apollo and the weight + drive train inefficiencies. I could definitely be overthinking it, if so do let me know lol.

My budget is around $1800 but can stretch to $2000 if needed.

Thank you!

1 Comment
2024/05/17
03:15 UTC

4

Best all round bike under $1000

The primary use of the bike would be a 20 minute commute over paved roads from my apartment to my college campus later this year, and then between classes. However, there are also some trails near my parents house that I'm staying at over the summer that I'd like to be able to ride around on, so I'd like it to have some off-road capabilities as well. Ideally it would also have a little luggage rack I can put my backpack on but I could probably just buy that separately . I am 5'7 and 180 lbs. I don't mind buying used as long as I know what to look for, but I haven't had a bike since I was 12 so I know absolutely nothing about them.

8 Comments
2024/05/17
02:40 UTC

1

Vintage aesthetic capable of backpacking and also weekend cruzin

My current Bike is a Wabi Lightning with 23c tires and I am looking to get something with a bigger tire clearance but I still want the look / geometry of a those vintage steel bike aesthetic. Can I get some recommendations for bikes or brands to look at? Intentions for this bike are mostly short commuting (on bumpy roads), weekend cruiser, Id like to be able to take it on short overnight backpacking trips.

other things Im looking for but not necessary:

  • mounts for front and rear racks
  • disk breaks
  • gears (5-7)
  • 28m + tire clearance min, preferably over 33m+ max

For additional reference, another bike I really like is the All City Space Horse and the Wabi Thunder.

Thanks!

1 Comment
2024/05/17
00:42 UTC

2

Cervelo Caledonia 105 vs Merida Reacto 4000

Hi - I'm looking to buy a new road bike (which I would also commute with), and am currently tossing up the Cervelo Caledonia 105 and Merida Reacto 4000.

Would appreciate any thoughts! Also appreciate alternate recommendations if you think better options are available in a similar price range.

0 Comments
2024/05/16
21:03 UTC

1

Picture

Why does the picture give an error when I post it here

0 Comments
2024/05/16
19:57 UTC

2

First gravel bike for tall rider - Canada

I'm a really tall dude (6'7" (202cm) height, 36 1/4 (92,5cm) inseam) looking for my first gravel bike and don't want to/can't spend more than $1300 USD (I'm in Canada so hoping for less than $1750 CAD). Looking for more durability/ease of repair than speed (if that's a choice at this pricepoint, speed still appreciated).

I don't really know what I need other than I want to get out on road, logging roads , occasional easier single track and some random in between stuff. Possibly some short bike tours (1-2 nights maximum).

I know accessories will cost me another $XXX. Could use some help from other tall riders on what brands will fit best clothes-wise.

4 Comments
2024/05/16
19:48 UTC

2

What kind of road/gravel bike should I buy?

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice on what bike to get. I've been riding an old Jake The Snake. I bought it second hand a few years ago, I believe it is the 2009 model. It's done me very well and I'll likely continue using it, but am looking to upgrade.

Intended Use: Currently I commute to work 2 - 3 times a week on mostly paved roads (10 miles one way), and do a longer ride on the weekends. I've worked myself up to around 50 miles on my longer rides with the goal of doing a century later this year and possibly some even multi-day cycling trips at some point. I ride for exercise and enjoyment, gravel and paved roads. I'm not too concerned about speed and PRs as much as efficiency and reliability.

What I'm looking for: A bike with the following: mechanical shifters, shimano 105s/GRX, hydraulic disk brakes. Aluminum frame with carbon forks. Tire clearance at least up to 32mm for wider tires to use on gravel roads.

Budget: Would like to stay below $2,500.

Thank you for any help or suggestions!

1 Comment
2024/05/16
19:35 UTC

1

Is this a good option for commuting?

Hey guys so for reference im 6'3 350 im big guy look for a bike to get some exercise and to commute to and from work. I'd be driving on paved trails and roads with a slight hill on my return home.

https://www.thebikeshop.com/product/trek-dual-sport-1-gen-5-419757-1.htm?

Would just love some feedback. Thank you.

Im looking specifically at the mercury colorway in XL if that matters.

6 Comments
2024/05/16
19:08 UTC

1

Cube hyde race; or merida speeder 400

Cube hyde race
Merida speeder 400

I am looking for a bike that gets me to work in semi sporty fashion. I am not much of an mechanic so i got different bikes. Its is about 18 km.

the hyde which should very durable and not to much maintenance.

Or the merida Speeder that is a bit more sporty en more road oriented.

I only wonder if the 8 speed hyde is enough gear range?

What do you guys think?

0 Comments
2024/05/16
18:49 UTC

2

Looking for my first bike

So, as the title suggests I'm looking for bike. I'd only be riding a few miles a day. I don't know how to ride a bike so I'd have to learn. 5'5 (people have noted that I'm especially leggy though), also open to trikes or electrics, but I have a budget of 600 dollars so that probably eliminates a lot of fancier options. Also, if you have any tips for selecting a good bike, that would be great.

1 Comment
2024/05/16
18:43 UTC

1

Spot Acme vs Priority Apollo

Hi folks, I live in Alberta, Canada and I'm debating a couple of different belt-drive bikes for errands, trail riding (mainly paved though sometimes hitting dirt tracks), and potentially joining the MS Bike Tour. My budget is around $2000, and I'm currently looking at the Spot Acme or the Priority Apollo, though I'm open to other suggestions. I've also been sorely tempted by the upcoming Priority Gemini but that's probably overkill (though the reliability of Pinion vs Alfine is something I keep reading about online, so I'm not sure if it's worth saving up for). Thoughts?

EDIT

Another option could be the Booda Bike Hiker. Steel might be nice, though it seems to have way fewer attachment points than the competition

0 Comments
2024/05/16
18:15 UTC

3

Do yall think this is worth 1500€?

Personally, I think I’ve got a pretty sweet deal with this one, considering what is being sold for much more money. Let me know your thoughts

4 Comments
2024/05/16
17:53 UTC

3

250$ for trek 1200 , any suggestions?

Instead of spending 50$ on a tune up plus a new tire on a really beat up old bike I think I'm just going to spend the extra for what looks like an upgrade to my current bike.

Are there any suggestions on things I should check for? From what I've seen the price seems pretty good and the bikes been given a tune up from the shop.

The tires don't appear to be the stock tires, but I don't know anything about tires or I guess rims, are these an after market addition/ are they better than the stock originals ?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

8 Comments
2024/05/16
17:47 UTC

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